Obama discusses Egypt with Qatar, UAE leaders

US President Barack Obama reached out to Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and UAE's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayad Al Nhayan to address the recent political turmoil brewing in Egypt, the White House confirmed, late Tuesday. Speaking on the urgency for Egypt's military to hand back control to a democratic government, Obama discussed the matter with Qatar's Emir, a major supporter of ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. Speaking by phone with the Emirati Crown Prince, Obama aired concerns about ongoing violence and the need for a political process inclusive of all religious and political groups. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are promising Egypt's new leadership USD eight billion in aid, a major boost that rewards the military for unseating Morsi. The Obama administration says it is not taking sides in the conflict.